Handicaps for the $400,000 AG Hunter Cup

Handicaps for the 2013 AG Hunter Cup, proudly sponsored by the Del Re National Food Group have been released by Harness Racing Victoria (HRV).

The handicaps for the $400,000 Grand Circuit Event to be run at Tabcorp Park on Saturday Night 2 February are as follows:

Front

Bitobliss FT

Devil Dodger NZ FT

Four Starzz Flash NZ FT

Jaccka Clive NZ FT

Mach Alert NZ FT

Mah Sish NZ FT

Melpark Major FT

Mustang Mach NZ FT

Our Blackbird NZ FT

Our White Knight FT

Pub Blitz FT

Saint Flash FT

Savesometimetodream FT

Sushi Sushi FT

10 Metres

Auckland Reactor NZ 10

Caribbean Blaster 10

Highview Tommy NZ 10

Terrorway NZ 10

Last night’s Ballarat Pacing Cup winner Mah Sish has been given the front line in the AG Hunter Cup and is likely to start one of the favourites in the time honoured event.

HRV Racing Manager Nathan McGowan advised that the HRV Handicapping Panel had considered putting Mah Sish back to the 10m line in the Hunter Cup courtesy of his win last night. However McGowan explained that last night’s win was the first time that Mah Sish had won a Group race and that the Panel felt that a 10m handicap in a race like the $400,000 AG Hunter Cup was too harsh for a horse that has never won at Grand Circuit level and has only won one race at Group level.

Last year’s runner up in the Hunter Cup, Auckland Reactor will undergo a Veterinary examination on Monday morning after finishing a disappointing last in last night’s Ballarat Cup. The results of the Veterinary examination will determine whether the former Kiwi champ takes his place in the great race.

Final acceptances for the race will take place at 8.30am on Tuesday morning 29 January. Two horses that are exempt from ballot and guaranteed a start in the event under the Conditions of the race are Bitobliss and Our White Knight, courtesy of their wins in the Kilmore Cup and Shepparton Cup respectively.

The Barrier Draw for the 2013 Del Re Food Group AG Hunter Cup will take place at the Caduceus Club Luncheon in the city at 12.30pm on Tuesday.